“Deepa Johnny is a revelation. The color of the voice is superb, with powerful bass and controlled treble. She takes to the stage with fever and confidence."
—Forum Opera, Carmen
“Deepa Johnny is a near-perfect Rosina. Her playful stage presence, warm tone, and expressive diction all contribute to her portrayal of a Rosina full of energy and character, especially with her flawless command of the bel canto technique.”
— Forum Opera, Il barbiere di Siviglia
“Deepa Johnny’s stage presence is admirable; the overflowing sensuality, the wide vocal range with an easy top and well-rounded bottom, as well as her rich timbre”
— Patrick Imbaud, Res Musica
"... Johnny achieves the remarkable feat of delivering an almost nonchalant interpretation while playing the young ingénue recounting her passions. The singer was met with resounding applause."
 — Olyrix, Il barbiere di Siviglia

Biography

The formidable and sensual Carmen by Deepa Johnny, a young Canadian mezzo-soprano of Omani origin, caused a sensation on Friday at the premiere.

Radio Classique,  September 2023
about

Omani-born mezzo-soprano Deepa Johnny has emerged as one of the most captivating young voices on the international opera stage. In the opening seasons of her career, she has garnered widespread critical acclaim, establishing herself as a singular talent set for a glittering international presence. Early breakthrough came with her powerful portrayal of Carmen in Romain Gilbert’s production at Opéra de Rouen Normandie, earning her the accolade ​“a revelation” and was swiftly followed by her ​“deeply moving and totally convincing” performances as Penelope in Il ritorno d’Ulissein Patria at Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, under the baton of Leonardo García Alarcón and in a new staging by the late Pierre Audi.

Omani-born Canadian mezzo-soprano Deepa Johnny gained recognition in major competitions whilst still studying at Indiana University; she was awarded the Andre Bourbeau Best Canadian Artist award and the ICI Musique People’s Choice award at the 2022 Concours Musical International de Montreal competition and was the winner of the Western Canada District of the 2020 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. She joined LA Opera’s prestigious Domingo-Colburn Stein’s Young Artist Program in the 2022/23 season, making her debut there to considerable acclaim in the role of  Owen’s daughter in Omar, a world-premiere by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels.

about

“[Deepa Johnny] offers an undeniable stage presence. Demonstrating virtuosity, a wide dynamic range and an expressive timbre, her voice can be sinuous, seductive and scathing like a slap.”

— Joël Heuillon, Olyrix

Upcoming Schedule

London, UK

September 27- October 14

Cinderella

English National Opera
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Paris

November 1 and 2

Carmen x Israel Galvan

Philharmonie de Paris
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Paris

November 24, 2025

Deepa Johnny & Alphonse Cemin in Recital

Théâtre de l'Athénée

Works by Monteverdi, Maurice Ravel, and the Spanish poet-musician Federico García Lorca.

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“Venables’ score is at its most patient showcasing the vocal beauty of Deepa Johnny”

— New York Times, July 2023